Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur

This Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (RARI) is a constituent research station under Shri Karan Narendra Agricultural University (SKNAU), Jobner (Jaipur-Rajasthan). It is situated at 390 meter above mean sea level on latitude 26.50°N and longitude 75.47°E. Since its inception in 1943 it has come a long way, overcoming an era of national food deficits to that of self-sufficiency with a surplus food-grains reserve. This research station was initially under the control of the state Govt., which in April 1977 transferred it along with the responsibilities of crop research to the Udaipur University, a multi-faculty university. Later, in 1987, the first Agricultural University in the state was established with its main campus at Bikaner and this research station thus came under the jurisdiction of the Agricultural University, known as the Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University. Since Govt. of Rajasthan has established new Agricultural University at Jobner, in September 2013 named as Shri Karn Narendra Agricultural University (SKNAU), Jobner (Jaipur-Rajasthan). The Director is the In-Charge of the research institute and is responsible to the Director Research, SKRAU, Bikaner. Three Agricultural Research Sub Stations (Diggi, Tabiji and Kotputli) come under the administrative jurisdiction of this institute, where as four KVKs (Ajmer, Banasthali, Dausa and Chomu) get technical information from this station for disseminating the same to the farmers.

The valuable contributions made by the agricultural scientists of this pioneer research station have helped the Nation in maintaining the balance between its population growth and agricultural production. In order to increase productivity, improve quality and profitability not standing with the population pressures, rigorous efforts are still on the way at this centre and the scientists are poised to achieve these goals. Being foremost in advancement of agricultural research activities in the state, today, this research centre is a pride of Rajasthan.

RARI, Durgapura has become a popular name among farmers for reliable technology development in agricultural research.

MISSION

To conduct research and extension activities for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production systems and to improve the quality of rural livelihood in the country in general and state of Rajasthan in particular.

Today, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute is the biggest research institute of Shri Karn Narendra Agricultural University (SKNAU), Jobner (Jaipur-Rajasthan). The research institute has been established on 74.1 hectare land which houses laboratories, experimental farm and a few residential quarters for the staff. About 7 hectare land is reserved for rain-fed agricultural research and 2.5 ha land for organic farming, which is the need of the time in the state. At Kherwari (Jaipur), 11.8 ha land is in the process of development for organic farming. This institute has well equipped laboratories and other infrastructure facilities to conduct research in the identified thrust areas. The various laboratories include Pesticide Residue Lab., White grub & other soil Arthropods Lab, Bio-agent production Lab., Seed Technology Research Lab., Crop Physiology Lab; Soil & Plant Elemental Analysis Lab; Wheat Quality Lab., Pathology Lab., Microbiology Lab., Vermicompost Lab., Disease forecasting unit, Plant health clinic and Post Harvest Technology Lab. This station also has some general facilities like the CIMCA (Centre for Information Management and Computer Application), Kisan Call Centre, Library & Information Centre, Workshop, etc. As an important academic activity, Academy of Agriculture, Allied Sciences and Technology (AAAST) has been established with the objectives to organize symposia, seminars and publish the research highlights. More than 70 scientists and 200 administrative, supporting and auxiliary staff members are engaged in various research activities.

The Agro-met with its useful weather data bank of last 20 years is an advisory service for the farmers at this station. This unit issues medium range weather forecast (96 hr in advance) along with crop and animal advisory on every Tuesday and Friday. Its bulletin reaches to the farmers through news papers, AIR, Doordarshan and E-TV Rajasthan.

Through its Research Sub-stations in the zone-IIIa the research on development and production is taken care of on crops like spices, mustard, taramira, cotton, maize, sorghum, arid fruits, floriculture, etc.

To redress the existing constrains in agriculture, following disciplines, have been working through multidisciplinary approach:

Plant Breeding & Genetics

Horticulture

Agronomy

Seed Technology Research

Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry

Breeder Seed Production

Plant Pathology

Agricultural Engineering

Entomology

Statistics

Nematology

Agricultural Economics

Physiology

Post Harvest Technology

Biochemistry

Agro-met

Unique sick-plot sites for cereal cyst nematode, dry root rot and termite are available at this station for development of resistant varieties and technologies for maximization of crop production and productivity under problematic areas of the State.

THE AREA OF INFLUENCE

The State of Rajasthan has 10 agro-climatic zones as per the concept of National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). RARI, Durgapura, Jaipur is serving in the Semi-Arid Eastern Plain Zone-IIIa comprising four districts viz., Jaipur, Ajmer, Dausa and Tonk. The geographical area of the zone is approximately 2.97 million hectare, which represents 8.67% of the total area of Rajasthan. The zone is further divided into 7 micro-farming situations. About 28 per cent land area of the zone has problematic soils due to salinity and sodicity. On an average the zone receives 500-600 mm rainfall, mainly during rainy season.

LINKAGES

International

ICRISAT-Hyderabad, CIMMYT-Mexico, ICARDA-Syria, & ACIAR-Australia

National

BARC-Trombay, NBPGR & IARI New Delhi, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), National Research Centers (NRCs), Central Institutes of Agricultural Research of ICAR, DST-Jaipur. The research is being conducted through All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) on almost all the important crops of Zone IIIa with a large chunk of finances from Government of Rajasthan through non-plan component of research. The AICRPs running at this station are –

AICRP on Wheat & Barley

AICRP on MULLaRP Crops (Mung, Urd, Lentil, Lathyrus, Rajmash, Pea)

AICRP on Chickpea

AICRP on Pearl millet

AICRP on Arid legumes

AICRP on Groundnut

AICRP on Vegetable crops

AICRP on Seed Technology Research

AICRP on Breeder Seed Production

AICRP on Cropping System Research

AICRP on Post Harvest Technology

AINP on Pesticide Residues

AINP on Whitegrubs and Other Soil Arthropods

AINRP on Onion & Garlic

AINP on Agro-met

Besides this a large number of adhoc projects funded by different agencies are running to redress the exiting various agricultural constraints and ensure sustainable crop production in the State.

A SAGA OF SUCCESS IN RESEARCH

Varietal development

Systematic research work for development of new varieties of various crops has contributed substantially to maximize agricultural production in the state. Augmentation in yield has been achieved not only by the breeding of basically higher yielding varieties, but also by the development of varieties that helps to stabilize production through resistance to diseases, pests and drought. Varieties are also bred for meeting specific agronomic requirements with wide adaptability. This research station has developed and released more than 125 varieties of different crops. Following is a brief varietal development scenario at this station –

Wheat: Varieties developed-29

The triple dwarf variety ‘Lal Bahadur’ developed at Durgapura center became the trendsetter towards the development of high yielding non-lodging nutrient responsive varieties. The variety Raj 1482 is very much in demand for its quality characteristics, Raj 3077 in addition to high yield, is well adopted for timely sown, late sown and light to moderate saline/alkaline conditions, Raj 3765 & Raj 3777 have tolerance to high temperature and rusts and are suitable for normal to very late sowing conditions, Raj 4037, Raj 4083 and Raj 4079 are highly heat tolerant varieties for warmer areas, Raj Molya Rodhak-1 is a significant development to overcome the problem of Cereal Cyst Nematode (CCN). Development of Raj 4120 is an out- standing contribution of this station having resistance to Ug 99 (Stem rust), which is an emerging threat for wheat cultivation in India. Recently August, 2012, Raj 4229 (IR-TS) and Raj 4238 (IR-LS) were identified having good yield potential and rust resistant

Barley: Varieties developed- 28

It is to the credit of this station that the first dwarf mutant variety RDB-1 in the country was released from here and provided the genetic background for the development of dwarf varieties, a very important feature for barley crop. Other land marks have been the salinity tolerant BL-2 and CCN resistant ‘Rajkiran’ along with recently developed high yielding varieties RD 2035, RD 2552 having wide adaptability and suitability for saline conditions, RD 2503 and RD 2668 (Two rowed type) for malting purpose. Varieties RD 2624 and RD 2660 developed for rainfed conditions are fabulous contributions of this station. Recently, an excellent contribution of the station is the development of country’s first dual purpose barley variety RD 2715 having good potential to produce grain as well as green fodder. Recently August, 2012, RD 2786 (IR-TS) and RD 2794 (Salinity tolerance) were identified having good yield potential and rust resistant

Chickpea: Varieties developed- 14

The glorious achievement has been the first rainfed high yielding variety RSG 888 at National level and RSG-973 (Abha) at State level. The variety CSJD-884 (Akash) is very much liked due to its double pod characteristic. Besides these, RSG-991 is the value added variety having green seeds and RSGK-6 a kabuli chickpea variety.

Mustard: Variety developed – 1

A very significant achievement has been the development of the Orobanche resistant variety ‘Durgamani’.

Field Pea: Variety developed – 1

RPG-3 variety was released for grain purpose has high yield potential along with high protein content and resistance to powdery mildew.

Pearl Millet: Varieties developed – 10

Bajra is one of the important kharif cereals grown extensively in arid and semi-arid regions of the state. The area under the crop sometimes exceeds 50 lac ha during the monsoon season. To cater the need of the farmers high yielding composite namely Raj 171 and hybrids viz., RHB 90, RHB 121, RHB-127, RHB 173 and RHB 177 have been developed, which are resistant to downy mildew and have bristles on ear heads for protection from bird damage, suitable for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions of the state. The hybrid RHB 154 has been developed for low rainfall (below 400 mm) areas of the Country (A1 Zone).

High yielding, photo-insensitive varieties, with high gum content have been developed. The significant work has been done for the development of high yielding, early and medium maturing varieties like RGC- 936, RGC-1002, RGC-1003, RGC-1017, RGC-1033, RGC-1038, RGC-1055, RGC-1066 (unbranched), etc. These varieties are suitable for semi-arid conditions of the state.

Cowpea: Varieties developed – 6

High yielding, early maturing varieties have been developed with fawn coloured grain (RC 19) as well as white grain (RC 101). Besides this, RCV-7 has been developed for vegetable purpose.

Mungbean: Varieties developed – 7

High yielding early maturing varieties like RMG 62, RMG 268, RMG 344, RMG 492, etc. with moderate tolerance to drought and web blight have been developed.

Muskmelon: Varieties developed – 5

Durgapura Madhu, known for its sweetness and fragrance has been a very popular variety with high public demand. Other varieties developed with high total soluble sugar and moderate resistance to root rot, powdery mildew and virus, are RM 50, MHY 3, MHY5, etc.

Watermelon: Varieties developed – 3

The variety ‘Durgapura Kesar’ (RW 187-2) with saffron coloured flesh has been a unique development from this station. The other achievements are varieties with dark red flesh having high sweetness like ‘Durgapura Lal’ (RW 177-3).

Onion: Varieties developed – 3

Onion is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops grown in Rajasthan. It occupies about 25 -30% area of the total vegetable crops in the state. It is predominantly a rabi season crop but in kharif season it accounts for about 10 -15% of the total production. The onion varieties RO-1 (copper red bulb, 2004) and RO-59 (red bulb, 2005) are the first released varieties of Rajasthan developed by this station. Recently, RO-252 (red bulb, 2011) variety has also been developed and released for cultivation in Rajasthan. Both RO 59 and RO 252 were also found suitable for kharif season.

Seed production programme

This Station is the largest producer of the nucleus and breeder seed in the State.

The best quality planting material of improved varieties of wheat, barley, chickpea, mungbean, groundnut, clusterbean, cowpea and onion is produced by the Scientists of this Station.

Truthful level seed (TFL) of improved new varieties of 8 diverse crops is produced and made available to the farmers by this Research Station.

Strengthening of nucleus & breeder seed production programme of improved varieties at this station has resulted in enhancing the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) of different crops in the state.

Technology development

It is important to improve the efficiency of all production inputs, e.g., seed, water and nutrients to achieve sustainable increase in crop productivity and minimize the losses caused by pests, weeds and during post-harvest handling. A large number of agro-techniques have been developed and recommended time to time, which have significantly contributed to the increase in production and productivity in the state. In the last 10 years more than 220 technologies have been developed for maximizing the production and productivity in the state. Some of the important aspects addressed are-

Bio-regulators: Grain yield has been increased by 10-15% through spray with thiourea @ 0.05% in wheat, mustard and chickpea and @ 0.1% in pearl millet (moisture stressed conditions).

Cropping sequence: Clusterbean- rabi onion - groundnut - wheat have been found most remunerative cropping sequence and at the same time, maintaining the soil health.

Weed Management: Weeds are the unwanted competitors for nutrients and thus reduce the crop growth and production. To minimise such losses and control the weeds, recommendations have been given like pre-sowing application of isoproturon (0.75 kg/ha) + 2-4, D (0.4 kg/ha) in wheat (to control Rumex), fluchloralin/pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a. i./ha + one hand weeding in mungbean, onion (at 50 DAT), sesame, groundnut, etc.

Sulphur Management: Sulphur deficiency was identified as a major problem. Recommendations were given for its use in deficient areas through gypsum – a natural resource available in plenty in Rajasthan in different crops like chickpea, mustard, groundnut (250 kg/ha), sesame (150 kg/ha), fenugreek (80 kg/ha), garlic (400 kg/ha).

Micro-nutrient Management: Plenty of work has been done on nutrient management for recovering the losses due to specific mineral deficiencies. Under brackish water irrigation zinc availability is limited and hence it was recommended to use 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 in such soils (EC 2.1 dsm-1, pH 8.8, RSC 14.0 meq l-1 ) in case of mustard. Under general zinc deficient soils also the use of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha has been recommended in Wheat, Mustard, Pearl-millet, Fenugreek, Sesame, Cauliflower, Marigold, Chickpea, Groundnut, Cowpea, and Onion. Likewise, recommendations have been given for deficiencies of manganese, molybdenum, copper and boron in different crops.

Organic Farming

A methodology was recommended for preparing good vermi-compost. Mixing 100 kg mustard straw with 25 kg fresh dung and 12.5 kg sand followed by moistening up to 3% level and adding few earthworms and finally stirring well up to 90-95 days at 30 days interval resulted into formation of good manure with CN ratio 20:1. This has been recommended as an organic fertilizer to be used @ 2.5-10.0 t/ha depending on the crop like wheat, barley, chickpea, pearl millet, coriander, onion for reducing the use of chemical fertilizer by 25 to 50%. The technique has been disseminated to farmers and is widely accepted.

Use of naturally occurring high grade phosphate rock (HGPR) after vermi-composting and with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) has been recommended as a better source of phosphate fertilizer (PROM) in wheat, barley, chickpea, and groundnut.

As a measure to use farm waste, mustard straw was found to be the best substrate followed by sorghum straw for cultivation of mushroom (Pleurotus citronipilatus).

Protection Technologies

Technologies have been developed for control of termites in wheat, pod borer in chickpea, white rust in mustard, wilt in cumin and tinda, stem rot in chillies, powdery mildew in rose, rust in aonla. To protect crop from heavy losses due to diseases and pests in different crops, certain chemical and bio-controls have been recently recommended, like -

Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS at 8 ml/kg seed for the management of aphid and painted bug in mustard crop.

Seed treatment with captan @ 0.25% followed by its drenching after 15 days to control nursery diseases in vegetables.

Two sprays of deltamethrin 2.8 EC @ 8.5 g a.i./ha (300 ml/ha) at the time of pest appearance and 20 days later control the attack of thrips in onion.

IPM module involving two sprays with HaNPV @ 250 LE/ha at 50% flowering and 15 days later by BtK (Dipel 8L) @ 1.5 l/ha or acephate 75 SP @ 2.0 l/ha to control pod borer in chickpea. Also, IPM modules have been given for control of pod borer in chilli and tomato.

Application of vermi-compost @ 4 t/ha at the time of transplanting in chilli and in tomato spray with acephate 75 SP @1 kg/ha at the time of pest appearance followed by two sprays with 10% neem seed kernel extract at 10 days interval controls the attack of white fly.

White grub is a major problem of Kharif crops in general and groundnut in particular. To manage this problem, pheromone was isolated for the first time in India from female beetles of Holotricha consanguina. A very effective and widely accepted pheromone trap technique has been developed to control this problem. Adopting this technology the grub population has been reduced from 0.64/m2 to 0.08/m2 at Mohanpura and Salempura villages of Dausa district. Seed treatment with clothianidin 50 WDG at 2 g/kg seed or imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 3 ml/kg seed very effectively control the whitegrub in groundnut crop.

Pesticide Residue:

Safe waiting periods after spray with different pesticides on different crops have been advised in food commodities and vegetables.

Onion Storage:

Two tier bamboos made structure with about 25 q storage capacity has designed for safe storage of onion bulbs.

Seed Storage

Seed quality deterioration has been a big problem under storage. For maintaining seed germination standards in storage of soybean seeds from harvesting (Nov.-Dec.) till planting in next season (May-June), it was suggested to store the seeds in poly-lined gunny bags or high density polythene bags.

Onion Storage: Two tier bamboo made structures with about 25q storage capacity have been designed for safe storage of onion bulbs.

Efficient Water Use:

As a measure for judicious use of water, an important resource in Rajasthan, sprinkler irrigation schedule was given for wheat, chickpea and mustard (about 40% water saving).

Farm Mechanization

As an aid for mechanized farming, a tractor drawn seed-cum fertilizer drill has been designed and recommended for sowing of wheat, barley, gram, pea, soybean, mungbean, clusterbean and sunflower (field capacity 0.55-0.65 ha/hr).

A tractor drawn seed-cum fertilizer drill has been designed and recommended for sowing in inter-crop of any two types of seeds (pearl millet/mungbean/ clusterbean/urdbean/maize).

Bio-Molecular Technique:

Descriptors in harmonious with national test guidelines on morphological, chemical and Electrophoretic

Banding characteristics of soybean, pearl millet and chickpea have been given for identification of true varieties and thus to check fraudulence with the farmers in market.

Drought Tolerance Characterization:

A physiological characteristic, Specific Leaf Area was identified as a good screening criterion for drought tolerance in groundnut genotypes. Similarly, Drought Susceptibility Index and Leaf Moisture Retention Index were identified as good criteria for selection of drought tolerance in chickpea.

IMPACT OF THE VARIETIES AND TECHNOLOGIES

The varieties and the technologies developed at this research station are economically viable, socially acceptable and ecologically sustainable. On-farm trials have shown that adoption of production and protection technologies along with the high yielding varieties give 25-30 per cent increase in production as compared to the farmer's practice. The estimates show that the average food grain production has increased from 109.20 lakh tonnes in 1991-2000 to 130.75 lakh tonnes in 2001-2010 and average oilseed production from 29.96 lakh tonnes in 1991-2000 to 41.88 lakh tonnes in 2009-2010. The increased production accounts for a benefit of about Rs. 2155 crores in food grain and Rs. 1788 crores in oilseeds in which this station has the major contribution in terms of varietal and technology development. Hence, adoption of the improved technologies is helping the state in uplifting the economic status of the farmers. The in exhaustive research efforts in pulses have earned an award for the state being first in pulse production in the country.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

On-campus and off-campus trainings

Demonstrations and ‘on-farm’ trials

Organization of Kisan Gosthi/Kisan Mela

Mass communication through news paper, radio and TV

Publication of extension literature

Institution-village linkage programme

Service through ‘Kisan Call Centre’

Agro-met Advisory Services

Farmers participatory research

Dissemination of Newer Technologies at Village Level:

Newly developed high yielding and disease resistant varieties of different crops and the improved technologies generated by the scientists of RARI Durgapura, Jaipur are demonstrated through FLD’s at Farmers Fields every year to aware the farmers for enhancement of productivity. Also the farmers are regularly educated through farmer’s Fair, Kisan Gosthii & Training Programmes at village level. I recent years the state agriculture department has also provided funds under RKVY for promotion of improved technologies at village level for promotion of improved technologies at village level in kharif and rabi seasons. All the efforts made in this endeavour are positively contributing for improving socio-economic status of farmers in Rajasthan.

A unique programme on “Action Research for refinement of Package of Practices for productivity enhancement of crops in different Agro-Ecological Situations (AES) was undertaken were 668 experiments were conducted on varietal evaluation, various production and protection aspects covering about 267 ha area (2009-11). Total 8 farmers fair/field days were organized involving participation of 3836 farmers in the programme.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Organize National/Inter National Symposia/Seminars

Organize Workshop/Group Meets of ICAR Scientists working in ICAR Projects

Publish research papers in various National/International Journals

Participate in Symposia/Seminars in India and abroad

Organize training programmes

FUTURE THRUST

Short term

To conduct the trainings of farmers for Hi-tech horticulture.

Demonstration on quality planting materials of horticultural crop.

Agro-technology for organic farming in mandate crops including medicinal plants.

Development of in-situ moisture conservation technology.

Development of farming system modules for raising economic status of farmers.

Enhancement of seed production of mandate crops with particular emphasis on pearl millet, groundnut and vegetables.

Enhancement of medicinal plant cultivation.

Management of insect pests and diseases through eco-friendly techniques and the use of bio-pesticides/herbal products.

Development of bio-agents for various pest controls.

Isolation of Pheromones for eco-friendly pest management.

Suitable storage technology for reducing losses in different mandate crops.

Establishment of model demonstration-cum-HRD.

Development of package for organic farming in different crops.

Development of suitable processing techniques for value addition in different crops.

Long term

Production of disease free planting materials of horticultural crops through Hi-tech methods to meet out the demands in different parts of the stats as well as country.

Dissemination of technologies for production of quality planting materials of horticultural crops.

Development of heat and moisture stress tolerance in wheat, barley, chickpea, pearl millet, groundnut and other kharif crops.

Development of varieties in mandate crops resistant to various diseases and pests.

Development of dual purpose (grain and fodder) varieties in pearl millet and barley.

Development of high quality malt varieties in barley.

Quality development in seed spices for export purpose.

Molecular characterization of varieties.

Characterization of drought tolerance mechanism in chickpea and pearl millet.

Studies on quality characteristics in wheat.

Awards

The activities of this station have been recognized at different levels and received various awards. To highlight, some of the awards received are:

Best Unit Award at National Level to the Agro-met Advisory Services at Agricultural Research Station, Durgapura, Jaipur (2005-06) by the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Ministry of Earth Sciences, New Delhi.

State Award for the development of first rain-fed chickpea variety RSG-888 (2002).

Best Project Award to All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project at RARI, Durgapura by the Society of Millet Research and Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner (2004).